Recent snow and blowing winds have reset the standard route to deep snow status. Our group of six encountered fresh snow, 12" at trail head, increasing to 18" at 11k and drifts as deep as 36" at 12K. Even snow shoes couldn't prevent post-holing to a degree. Above tree line blowing and drifts have created a mix of deep snow punctuated by windswept bare spots. Snow shoes highly recommended and the bigger the better. Crampons and micro spikes helpful above tree line. Our group did stomp down the trail a bit but the wind was so persistent that anything above 11k was almost filled in immediately.
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